Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu? Either one. It’s the mountain that appears behind the wonder in classic images of Machu Picchu. It’s the best experience you can have in the Inca city of Machu Picchu and is considered one of the best short hikes in the world.

• How do you write? Huayna Picchu, Waynapicchu or Wayna Picchu?
• What is Huayna Picchu / Waynapicchu / Wayna Picchu mountain like?
• About tickets for Huayna
• Some things you should know about Huayna Picchu mountain
• Frequently Asked Questions

View of Huayna Picchu mountain in Machu Picchu

How do you write? Huayna Picchu, Waynapicchu or Wayna Picchu?

Actually, Huayna Picchu, Waynapicchu, or Wayna Picchu are correct. In most places on the internet, you’ll find it as Huayna Picchu; in Cusco and on the mountain, you’ll find it more often as Waynapicchu; and in a few places, you might also read Wayna Picchu. This is apparently possible because the Quechua of the Incas didn’t have a proper script, so the word is now spelled in many ways, but they’re all pronounced the same.

What is Huayna Picchu / Waynapicchu / Wayna Picchu mountain like?

As we’ve already clarified, you’ll find its name written in all these ways. Huayna Picchu, popularly known as the “huayna,” is the best experience you can have in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. It’s a mountain covered in vegetation, with trails built between the mountain walls and cliffs hundreds of meters above the ground , which will take you to the top.

At the top of Huayna Picchu, you can enjoy the best aerial views of the Inca city. One of the most popular sections is the Stairs of Death of Huayna Picchu. Also famous is one of Machu Picchu’s most beautiful temples: the Temple of the Moon, which is built inside a natural cave and has incredibly detailed carvings. Some scholars believe it was an astronomical observatory due to its location high on the mountain.

Stairs of Death on Huayna Picchu Mountain

About tickets for Huayna

There are 350 tickets available to enter Huayna Picchu, and you must book months in advance to obtain one. We recommend planning this trip four months in advance. You can check Machu Picchu ticket availability below.

• Group 1: Machu Picchu from 7 am and Huayna Picchu from 8 am to 9 am.
• Group 2: Machu Picchu from 9 am and Huayna Picchu from 10 am to 11 am.

Some things you should know about Huayna Picchu mountain

• Perhaps the best time to hike the Machu Picchu Mountains is during the dry season. However, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season, avoid Huayna Picchu Mountain during the month of February, unless, of course, you consider yourself an experienced hiker. The trails on Huayna Picchu Mountain can be very slippery when wet, and remember that you are hundreds of meters above the ground.
• If you are afraid of heights, we do not recommend entering Huayna Picchu mountain, many parts of the route can be completely intimidating if you suffer from vertigo.
• Don’t be intimidated by the stairs of death; anyone over the age of 12 can climb the Huayna trails; just heed something many mountaineers agree on: “You must have enormous respect for the mountains,” and in the case of Huayna Picchu, also for the extreme heights.
• If you don’t book your train tickets in advance, you may not be able to reach Machu Picchu and therefore Huayna Picchu Mountain. That’s why we always recommend purchasing your train tickets immediately after booking your Huayna Picchu tickets.

View of the citadel of Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the correct way to write Huayna Picchu, Waynapicchu or Wayna Picchu?

  All are correct; the diversity in spelling stems from the fact that Quechua didn’t have its own writing system. That’s why you’ll see “Huayna Picchu” on websites, “Waynapicchu” and “Wayna Picchu” in some publications. They’re all pronounced the same and refer to the same mountain.

• 2) What is Huayna Picchu mountain?

  It’s the iconic mountain that appears behind Machu Picchu in most photos. Climbing it offers one of the best panoramic views of the archaeological site.

• 3) What does the ticket to Huayna Picchu include?

  Includes entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu on Circuit 3 (Royal Route) and access to Huayna Picchu mountain.

• 4) When is the best time to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The dry season (April to October) is the most recommended, as the trails are safer. During the rainy season (November to March), especially in February, the trails can become very slippery, which can be a risk.

• 5) Is the hike to Huayna Picchu dangerous?

  It’s not dangerous, but you should be cautious and in good physical condition. The stone stairs, known as the “stairs of death,” are narrow and steep, but safe if you proceed carefully.

• 6) At what age can you climb Huayna Picchu?

  Access is open to children 12 and older. It is important that children be accompanied by adults and that all visitors be physically and mentally prepared for the climb.

• 7) How long does it take to go up and down Huayna Picchu?

  The entire hike takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace, physical condition, and the amount of time you want to spend at the summit.

• 8) How demanding is the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  This is a moderate to challenging hike. Although it’s not an extensive adventure, it involves steep climbs and narrow steps.

• 9) Is Huayna Picchu open all year round?

  Yes, although it may be closed during February for maintenance or extreme weather conditions.

• 10) What alternatives exist if I can’t get into Huayna Picchu?

  The best option is Machu Picchu Mountain (Old Mountain). It’s less steep, less crowded, and also offers stunning views of the citadel and the natural surroundings.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Melanie O.

“Sin palabras“

“Lugar mágico, emocionante y asombroso. Puedes decir todo lo que quieras de Machu Picchu antes de estar en ella; pero luego de verla con tus propios ojos, no encontraras palabras.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 14, 2025